Excerpt: Heat

The sun dripped lazily through the leaves overhead. In the heat a fly flew in slow circles and meandered drunkenly away.
“Why is it so bloody hot?” Artra panted lightly. Even just laying still, she could feel the sweat beading on her skin and slide in little rivulets down her back.
“Just to annoy you.” Hyssop mumbled without opening his eyes.
“Oh, fuck you.” Artra turned her head to glare at the man laying prone beside her.
“Can’t…” he mumbled again. “…too hot.” He half expected her to hit him, but the smack he waited for didn’t come.
“Jackass.” She smiled to herself and laid her head back down on the grass.
The pair continued to melt in the heat, not wanting to move.
Air oozes thickly around them. It had been hot before, but nothing like this. Even the river, which was usually still high at this time of year was nothing more than a thin trickle.